1. By anonymous donations through the
boxes . . . . . . £202 10 9 ¼
2. Through donations from believers in
Bristol, not anonymously . . 149 13 9
3. Through donations from believers not
residing in Bristol . . . 301 15 8
4. Through presents in clothes, provisions,
etc., worth at least . . . 12 16 0
------
£726 10 2 ¼
This, dear Reader, is the writer's statement after having acted on
these principles for more than 25 years. You see, not for a week, a
month, or even a year, how the writer has been dealt with by the Lord,
after he had set out in this way; but, in all simplicity he has related
to you, how it has been with him year after year. And now, after more
than 25 years, he is still acting on these principles, and is more than
ever convinced of their truthfulness and their blessedness; and he is
delighted in being able to prove to you, to God's honour, that even
for this life he has been no loser by acting out the light which the
Lord has been pleased to give to him.
May 26, 1856. Yesterday evening it was 24 years, since I came to labour
in Bristol. In looking back upon this period, as it regards the Lord's
goodness to my family and myself, the Scriptural Knowledge Institution,
and the saints among whom I seek to serve Him, I exclaim, What has God
wrought! I marvel at His kindness, and yet I do not; for such is His
manner; and, if it please Him that I remain longer on earth, I expect,
not fewer manifestations of His love, but more and more.
Since my beloved friend and fellow labourer and I first came to Bristol,
1586 believers have been received into fellowship, which number, with
the 68 we found in communion, makes 1654. But out of that number 252
have fallen asleep, 53 have been separated from fellowship, 145 have
left us, some however merely through circumstances, and in love, and 510
have left Bristol; so that there are only 694 remaining in communion.
Farewell, Christian Reader. I reckon it one of the greatest privileges
which the Lord has been pleased to bestow upon me to be able to finish
this volume. Remember the writer in your prayers. He greatly needs them.
Numberless are his difficulties and trials, as well as his joys and
blessings! Pray that he may be helped of God to finish his course with
joy, and to continue his service without growing weary.
The End.